He continued brusquely, not waiting this time for her to respond, “I propose we talk about money, instead. Something you know quite a bit about, I understand?”

“Is that what all of this has been about? Money?,” Bette answered coolly. The man was constantly changing directions, as if tacking like a sailor in the sea, trying to find or catch the best wind that could power the sailboat over the waves of the sea. He was making it hard for Bette to discern more about him.

“Well… in a manner of speaking. And not so crudely … but I suppose, yes it is. Isn’t that what everything is always about, anyway? I mean … what else is there?” he responded.

“More. Much more than money,” Bette rejoined. French-german accent. Money. Swiss? A Swiss financier, maybe?

“Ahh… yes. For you, of course. Your file really intrigued me – such a full life you lead. With the beautiful Tina, of course.  How is she, by the way? Enjoying her visit with mum?” he asked, smoothly, like a snake uncoiling, snapping out his first bite.

Bette gasped, mentally stung. She recovered quickly, and refused to let the venom he’d stung her with paralyze her. Swallowing quickly, she answered, “Let’s keep her out of this, shall we?”

He laughed mirthlessly, with a cruel edge, all his savior-faire dropped for a second, “Come, come, Bette. Surely you can’t suture that wound simply by dismissing what I’d just said?”

“I can’t?” Bette asked, buying time, mentally. So he had tracked Tina – and had let her subtly know he could get to her. But Tina was still in her hotel room. And Brom’s man was nearby. Right now, at this moment, she was still safe. Fast asleep. Right?

“No, you can’t,” he answered harshly, then, after a pause, in a smoother tone, he continued, “But let’s do as you suggest and step back.” He added mockingly, “Maybe try and understand each other a little bit better.”

He continued, “Well, Bette, I’m sure you will understand where I am coming from with all this. You see I run a firm that is very, very old. We go back centuries. It is a family business that takes care of the wealth of other families. We can take care of other things, but it is money, mainly, that occupies us, and for which our services are sought.”